Booking Fee Question

[BarbieGal457]

Hi everyone!

I've been planning my 9th Disney trip with some friends for January 2009. Right now it looks to be about 6-8 people, and we are planning on staying at a moderate resort for 8 nights (1/3-1/11). Our dates are flexible to within a day. We also plan to purchase 8-day park hoppers. My question is this: what would be the fees to book it? As in, how much would we have to put out up front? I've never booked on my own before, my parents or AAA has done it. Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[mickeynut1]

If you book room only and buy your tickets separate, the deposit would be 1 night's room plus tax (per room), with the balance due at check-in. If you book a package (room/tickets together), the deposit would be $200 (per package), with the balance due 45 days prior to arrival .

 

[BarbieGal457]

So it would basically be 200/person? or 200/room? I think I remember us putting down $200 when I booked thru AAA in 2006, but I'm a bit foggy on it. Thanks so much for the quick response!!

 

[SGMCO]

I've booked 3 trips on my own and have always be asked to
put up a $200.00 deposit for the whole package and then
have the package paid in complete 45 days before arriving.
We only stayed in Mods.
Which Mod are you go to stay in? Sounds like you will have
a nice Grand Gathering.

 

[mickeynut1]

It would be $200 deposit per room. I just have experience booking 1 room w/tickets & dining for 4 people, so with 6-8 people, if you were getting 2 rooms, I think Disney would require a $200 deposit per room even if they were booked under the same ressie.....but I'm not 100% sure on that part . I'm sure someone will be along to verify that or give the correct information . Good luck planning.....I'm sure you'll have a magical trip .

 

[DISNEY1975]

I've booked 3 trips on my own and have always be asked to
put up a $200.00 deposit for the whole package and then
have the package paid in complete 45 days before arriving.
We only stayed in Mods.
Which Mod are you go to stay in? Sounds like you will have
a nice Grand Gathering.

If you book room and tickets, its $200 per room deposit.

If you book room only, its one night room rate per room.

I have two rooms booked at the Poly for Nov. 3 people per room, park hoppers and dining plan for all. I paid a $400 deposit.

 

[ents_2]

I just want to warn you that I booked online, paid my $200 deposit. Then a few months later, found out I could save a good chunk by going through CAA (equivelant to AAA in the USA). So I cancelled my original booking after my new booking was set through CAA. I only got $64 back out of my original $200 deposit. I asked them why and they said that the rest was non-refundable insurance fee. Go figure.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

That's why I usually tell people not to buy the trip insurance until the final payment, because it is non refundable. To book a Grand Gathering, you must do it by phone, you cannot book it online because they need to give you a Gathering number. It is a $200 deposit per room if you're booking a package, and one night's room rate if booking a room only reservation. I have booked tons of Grand Gatherings and the staff in the groups dept. is very helpful. Have a great time!

 

[snykymom]

What are the benefits to a Grand Gathering, as opposed to just going with 8 people?

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

The Grand Gathering number "links" everyone's reservations together, so usually your rooms will be together if not close, and it makes it easier to book dining. You are also eligible for special "Grand Gatherings Experiences", like a Magical Gatherings Fireworks Voyage, Safari breakfast at AK, a dessert reception and preferred viewing for Illuminations at Epcot, etc. They also have Grand Gatherings merchandise as well, like matching t-shirts and pins. Hope that helps!

 

[CleveRocks]

Very strange but very true ...

If you want to get a room AND get your tickets through Disney, you can book this as a room-only reservation with tickets. Buying the room and tickets in the same transaction DOES NOT automatically make it a package. Been there, done that.

Like I said, very strange but very true.

A package gives you a few little extras that are meaningless to me personally, such as souvenir luggage tags, a voucher for stuff like mini golf and Planey Hollywood, etc. Beyond those little things, the ONLY difference is the payment terms and the cancellation policies.

And, of course, if you want the Disney Dining Plan, that can only be reserved as part of a package.